Image of 1958 Chrysler Imperial, sourced from www.orlandoclassiccars.net , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1958 Chrysler Imperial stands as a testament to American luxury and engineering prowess during an era of boundless optimism. Born from the illustrious Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged as a symbol of status and sophistication. At a time when cars were not just modes of transportation but statements of personal style and technological ambition, the Imperial carved its niche as Chrysler's crown jewel. It was during this post-war period that the Imperial would set new standards for automotive luxury, with a unique fact to its name: it was one of the first cars to offer cruise control, a feature we take for granted today.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1958 Chrysler Imperial exudes grandeur with its long, sweeping lines and distinctive tail fins that epitomize the era's space-age aesthetic. The front grille, bold and imposing, is flanked by quad headlamps that were a novel feature at the time. Inside, passengers are enveloped in opulence with rich fabrics and top-tier leather options. The dashboard's AstraDome instrument cluster presented information in an eye-catching display, while push-button controls for the TorqueFlite automatic transmission added a futuristic touch.

Color options ranged from elegant monochromes to striking two-tones, with hues like "Gauguin Red" and "Moonglow Blue" catching buyers' eyes. Among body styles, the Southampton edition—with its hardtop styling—stood out as an icon of luxury. The Imperial was available in several body styles including a two-door convertible, a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a four-door hardtop.

Historical Significance

The 1958 Chrysler Imperial wasn't just another luxury car; it was a harbinger of innovation that influenced future automotive designs. Its introduction of curved side glass was revolutionary, enhancing both aesthetics and visibility. The Imperial's bold design choices set it apart from contemporaries like Cadillac and Lincoln, cementing its legacy as a harbinger of the "Forward Look" styling trend in Chrysler vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stately exterior, the 1958 Imperial packed a punch with its 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine, capable of propelling it to impressive speeds for such a large automobile. With 345 horsepower on tap, it boasted brisk acceleration for its size, reaching 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds—a remarkable feat at the time. The car's handling characteristics were poised for comfort rather than sportiness; however, it navigated through various driving conditions with grace befitting its stature. Drivers often remarked on the smoothness of the ride—a floating sensation complemented by the throaty purr of its powerful engine.

Ownership Experience

The Imperial served multiple roles ranging from daily luxury transport to esteemed show car status. Its reliability was commendable for the era; however, maintenance could be costly due to the premium nature of components and systems employed. For collectors and enthusiasts today, sourcing parts may present challenges but is part of the rewarding experience of owning such an iconic piece of automotive history.

Fun Facts

This majestic vehicle has graced the garages of celebrities and even royalty. Notably rare editions like the "Silvercrest" roof option or "Mobile Director" package add to its allure. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in terms of sales success and endurance within its class. Criticisms often centered around its size and fuel consumption—common traits for vehicles in its segment during that period.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1958 Chrysler Imperial as a desirable piece with values varying widely based on condition and originality. Production numbers were relatively low compared to mass-market vehicles; estimates suggest that approximately 16,000 units were produced across all body styles. As for value range, well-preserved models or fully restored examples can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 depending on their provenance and rarity.

Conclusion

The 1958 Chrysler Imperial remains an enduring icon among classic car aficionados—a rolling sculpture that captures the essence of an era where cars were more than transportation; they were aspirational symbols. Owning an Imperial is not just about possession; it's about preserving a piece of automotive artistry that continues to captivate generations.

1958 Chrysler Imperial Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1958 Chrysler Imperial Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1958 Chrysler Imperial Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair-CB 27Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1958 Chrysler Imperial Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates-FS 31Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 18" long X 9-3/4" wide at bottom. Pair

1958 Chrysler Imperial Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1958 Chrysler Imperial Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-17Trunk Seal. Each

1958 Chrysler Imperial Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 17-3/4" long. Pair

1958 Chrysler Imperial Rear Roll-Up Window Seals-VS 7-GRear Roll-Up Window Seals. For leading edge of rear quarter window. Made with molded ends. 18-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1958 Chrysler Imperial Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Chrysler Imperial Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1958 Chrysler Imperial Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.